South Korea's biggest yards are facing a combined operating loss of more than KRW 8 trillion ($6.66bn) for 2015.

The Yonhap news agency said it would be the first time that Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Samsung Heavy Industries and DSME had all posted deficits in the same year.

They have been hit by delays, cancellations and the general shipping malaise.

The agency cited industry data as showing DMSE on course for an operating loss of about KRW 5 trillion, HHI likely to post KRW 1.5